ICF - Professions of Faith

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Genesis 2:15-17,3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11; Psalm 32

This Sunday's readings present a key Biblical theme of fall, redemption and forgiveness. The Scriptures remind us that the fall of humankind has impacted every aspect of our society. Reading through to verse 17 of Genesis 3, reveals that the world of work is one of the first aspects of human existence that is affected by this act of disobedience.

Many will speak of the workplace as a situation of significant temptation, or where they feel trapped in systems and structures which they recognise as wrong, but find it hard not to be drawn into. Some core themes emerge from these readings:

Our faith is founded on the recognition that the world is not perfect and that we live it out in a world that is not fully as God intended.

That in Christ there is forgiveness and renewal through faith.

That even within the limitations of a workplace environment, we can seek to display the attitude and character of a follower of Christ.

That in Christ, God knows what it is to be tempted - we do not serve a God who is indifferent to this reality.

The Gospel reading presents us with a picture of Jesus, at the outset of His earthly ministry, working out the precise nature of His vocation and calling. This serves as a powerful reminder of our call to whole life discipleship. In our working and everyday lives, we are invited to seek God's guiding presence and not simply listen to the loudest or most obvious voices. click here for a prayer that explores this further.